Town Center expansion goes before public
Andrew Glazer
COSTA MESA -- The public will have its first chance tonight to respond
to a proposed project that would expand the city’s art facilities and add
office space.
The Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the project in the
South Coast Metro area, which calls for constructing a 2,500-seat
symphony hall; a 140,000-square-foot art museum; a 140-seat expansion to
the South Coast Repertory theater; three new office buildings; and two
parking structures.
The 54-acre site of the planned development is surrounded by Bristol
Street, Sunflower Avenue, Avenue of the Arts and the San Diego Freeway.
The proposal is a combination of efforts by several companies. The
arts facilities are independent projects. C.J. Segerstrom and Sons has
proposed one of three office buildings; the other two are being built by
CommonWealth Partners.
A completed South Coast Plaza Town Center could generate more traffic
and smog in the city, according to a report prepared by independent
consultants. And the jobs created by new businesses might draw more
people to live in the already-crowded city, the report said.
The consultants must answer all questions from the public before the
project reaches a Planning Commission and City Council vote.
Mayor Gary Monahan said he is anxiously awaiting the city’s new arts
offerings. And he said he didn’t expect that the project, which is
relatively removed from residential areas, would generate much
controversy.
“I believe the entire community is looking forward to it,” he said.
“It will solidify Costa Mesa at top of the county’s performing arts
field.”
The Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. today at City Hall, 77
Fair Drive.
BOX
For a breakdown of the proposed expansion to the city’s art
facilities, see Page 3.
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